GWM Cannon Alpha vs MG U9

The GWM Cannon Alpha starts from $52,990 before on-road costs, while the MG U9 opens at $52,990. Both land at the same RRP, so on-road costs and dealer deals become the real differentiator.

Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $58,289 and $58,289 respectively.

Over 5 years, the running costs favour the MG U9 by roughly $1,425 in fuel alone.

Both the GWM Cannon Alpha and MG U9 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 6 out of 10 key ADAS systems.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the GWM Cannon Alpha and 7 in the MG U9.

The GWM Cannon Alpha features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the MG U9 gets a 12.3-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The GWM Cannon Alpha stands out with Apple CarPlay and power tailgate that you will not find on the MG U9. The MG U9 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the GWM Cannon Alpha gets synthetic leather upholstery while the MG U9 offers artificial leather.

The GWM Cannon Alpha uses a 2.4L 4-cylinder Turbo Diesel producing 135kW and 480Nm of torque, sent through a 9-speed automatic to a 4WD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 10.5 seconds.

The MG U9 responds with a 2.5L Turbo Diesel making 160kW and 520Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels.

The MG U9 has the clear power advantage at 160kW vs 135kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The GWM Cannon Alpha measures 5,445mm long on a 3,350mm wheelbase, 55mm shorter than the MG U9 at 5,500mm (3,300mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the GWM Cannon Alpha generally means more rear legroom.

For towing, the MG U9 leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 3,500kg. That 0kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,537/year for the GWM Cannon Alpha and $2,252/year for the MG U9. That is a $285 annual difference in favour of the MG U9.

Estimated annual total: $2,537 (GWM Cannon Alpha) vs $2,252 (MG U9). The MG U9 saves you roughly $285 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.

Warranty: 7 years / 999,999km (GWM Cannon Alpha) vs 7 years (MG U9). Both match on warranty length.